NEPAL: Everest Base Camp Expedition

Adventure Overview:

Oct 3-23rd

3 weeks

Join is for a fantastic trek into the heart of the Nepalese Himalaya. Utilizing sherpas and Tea Houses, this trek will follow established trails to trek the 92km round trip from Lukla to Gorak Shep where everyone will will make the dramatic excursion onto the Khumbu Glacier to visit Everest Base Camp and then make a further lung busting climb up to the stunning viewpoint of Kala Patthar at 5540m to witness the dramatic sunset over Mt Everest, before making the 5 day trek back to Lukla and on to Kathmandu for a well deserved rest! This truly is an opportunity not to be missed – don’t just dream it, do it!

For the times you have watched Sir Ranulph Fiennes setting off an yet another expedition and felt a pang of jealousy, or the times you read the adventures of great mountaineers such as Hilary or Tenzing, or simply the times that you have dreamed of stepping out of the ordinary and achieving something amazing - now is your time to live! Everest is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring sights in the world - an exciting adventure into the foothills of the Himalayas. Let this be a dream realised on an adventure of a life-time.

Its easy to see why the trek to the base camp of Mount Everest has become one of the most popular trekking routes in the world, and so we welcome you to join our team, lead by expert & very experienced mountaineers, as we journey together and unlock your potential in this amazing land. The Everest Base Camp Trek follows part of the classic route taken by most expeditions to Everest since the 1950’s. The trek starts from the remote and high altitude airstrip of Lukla, from where we will walk north east and ascend the Dudh Koshi valley to Namche Bazar, the bustling trade center of the Sherpa region. We then trek via Tengboche Monastery, the biggest Buddhist monastery in the area and one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of Nepal. We will then climb Kala Patthar where we will have unobstructed views of Mt Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and many other Himalayan peaks & the impressive Khumbu Glacier. From here we will then trek onto the Glacier and visit the legendary Everest Base Camp before trekking back to Lukla and our flight back to Kathmandu.

Mount Everest to the Nepalese is simply called Sagarmatha, the “sky head”. To the Tibetans it is Chomolungma, the mother goddess of the earth. To the rest of the world it is the most renowned mountain of all. When it comes to spectacular breathtaking mountain panoramas, the Everest Trek is without equal. The walk to Everest Base Camp takes you through lush valleys with abundant flora and fauna, past friendly Sherpa villages and Buddhist monastaries, and far above the treeline towards the earth’s highest mountains. Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and Mt. Everest tower above you on this challenging but very rewarding trek.

This expedition is one which will challenge, excite and inspire you. The expedition team you are joining comes together under the expert guidance of professional mountain leaders who have made this journey many times and will guide you through all aspects of the ascent / descent. Also joining the team will be local guides and Sherpa porters as well as Yak\'s to transport main baggage. Your time in the team will give you a great insight into this astounding part of our world, broadening your horizons and developing your character in a great many ways. It is not an easy trek, it will stretch you and demand your determination and perseverance, but the rewards will be far greater than you can begin to imagine.

Other information:

The Everest Base Camp trek is a serious \'High Altitude\' expedition. Whilst everything that can be done to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) will be done, individuals react differently to altitude and as such may have to return to a lower altitude if ill, thereby forfeiting their adventure. Participants should prepare well for this trek, both physically and mentally and as a guide should be capable of walking for 6-7 hours daily over rocky and undulating terrain at altitude carrying a light pack. A full clothing and equipment list will be sent out to all participants on booking.

This is not just about exploring a new land, this is about your adventure, your dreams, your challenge - it\'s about making a statement to yourself about what you can achieve when you don\'t let life hold you back.

What is Included?

Accommodation

Food

24 / 7 Support

Training

Adventure Package

Flights

Information Pack

Accommodation: As a team you will be based in Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu before and after the trip on a B&B basis sharing a twin room. During the actual trek the accommodation is based in lodges on a shared room basis.

Food: Food is provided throughout the trip on a full-board basis. The only meals not provided are lunch / dinner in Kathmandu.

Training: During your time with Agapé Adventures, we offer a series of training events, which aim to focus and encourage you in your service. Our training brings together experienced insights & knowledge of the voluntary sector, and utilises up to date project management skills to offer a training programme that is personal, pastoral & professional. You will be provided with expedition specific pre-departure training approximately one month before you leave as well as training and guidance throughout the expedition.

Support: All volunteers are supported by Agapé every step of the way. The team is lead by experienced and professional Mountain guides who are experienced in High Altitude Travel and who are current and competent first aiders. They will guide you every stage of the trek & ensure your safety at all points. All staff involved in supporting you, work together to provide a coordinated and professional service throughout your adventure.

Adventure Package: This is one big adventure!

Airport Collection & Drop Off: The team will travel together from Kathmandu airport. Those travelling from the UK / Ireland will travel together with the team on the same flight. Flights from the UK - Nepal are included in the price.

What Isn't Included

Stipend

Visa

Insurance

What will I do?:

Day 1: Fly London / Dublin - KathmanduDay 2: Arrival in KathmanduDay 3: Free Day in Kathmandu to shop for last minute items and acclimatise to the intense heat and the hustle and bustle of Nepalese lifeDay 4: Kathmandu - Lukla (2800m):An early morning transfer to Kathmandu airport for the flight to Lukla. Flying time is approx 40 minutes and the landing at Kathmandu is one that you will not forget in a long time. lunch at our evenings lodgings, the ‘Himalaya Lodge’. After lunch we will visit the village Gompa (Buddhist monastery), of Lukla, and make an excursion to the villages of Kengma, Chaurikharka, and Mushey to visit schools, Gompas, and other interesting sights. Overnight at Himalaya Lodge.Day 5: Lukla - Mondzo (2835m):Today we head north to join the trail at Choplung and then along the Dudh Koshi valley to the village of Ghat, passing the villages of Ghat, Phakding and Benkar and following the trail northwards up the valley to Monzo. Over night at a lodge in Monzo.Day 6: Monzo- Namche Bazar (3440m):After breakfast we cross the Dudh Koshi river and follow the river to walk through Chomowa and Mondzo villages. We also enter the Sagarmatha National Park, then crossing the Hilary suspension bridge we pass Jorsalle village and walk alongside of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi confluences. A steep ascent brings us to the principal Sherpa village of Namche Bazar. Stay at a lodge.Day 7: AcclimatizationA days rest in Namche for acclimatization with a chance to visit the museum housed in the Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters. Here there is a very interesting display on Sherpa traditional life and the flora, fauna and bird life of the park. For the more energetic, there is also time to visit the ‘Everest View Hotel’ with its views of Mt Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and the other magnificent peaks of the area.Day 8: Namche - Tengboche (3867m):Leaving Namche we ascend past the park check post and follow the main trail to Tengboche, descending gradually through Trashinga village to Phuki, a small settlement with several water-driven prayer wheels on the banks of the Dudh Koshi.We lunch on the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. From Phuki the trail climbs steeply, then more gradually through forest up the hillside to Tengboche Monastery. The view from this spot is outstanding.The Gompa and its surroundings are well worth a visit. Stay at a lodge.Day 9: - Tengboche-Pheriche (4243m):We start the day by crossing a large open meadow, descending through a forest of Birches, Conifers and Rhododendron to cross the Imja Khola river. The trail now climbs up past some magnificently carved Mani walls to Pangboche Monastery 3900m, the oldest monastery in the region. Our route now takes us beyond the tree line. Much of the vegetation is scrub Juniper, tundra and Windflowers. We Pass several yak herders’ huts and climb over a small ridge before crossing the Khumbu Khola and ascending toPheriche. Stay at a lodge.Day 10: - AcclimatizationPheriche-Rest for acclimatization or side trip to Chhukung.Day walk to the cluster of huts known as Chhukung. This is a marvelous side trip for views of the east face ofAma Dablam. Lunch there and return via a slightly higher route to the Himalayan Rescue Association Hospital in time for the 3 o\'clock lecture on altitude acclimatization.Day 11 :- Pheriche-Lobuche (4930m):From Pheriche we proceed northwest across the flat floor of the valley draining the Tshola and Khumbu glaciers. The stone walled fields of Pheriche are the last we pass.After two miles we turn right and start to climb the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glaciers. At lunchtime we reach Dhugla. From Dhugla the track climbs over the gargantuan chaos of the Khumbu glacier’s moraine. Eventually, it takes us to the left of the glacier and to the huts at Lobuche. Stay at a lodge.Day 12: - Rest Day in Lobuche: Optional Hike to Lobuche Peak BC.Day 13 & 14: Lobuche-Kala Patthar (5545m)After trekking up the moraines of the Khumbu glacier, with its simply stunning views we eventually reach the remote outpost of Gorak Shep, following a hearty lunch and a well deserved rest we depart at approx 1530 hrs to make the steep but scenic climb up to the spectacular viewpoint of Kala Patthar and its outstanding views of Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku, Tawache, Pumori Gyachung Kang and the Khumbu Icefall and glacier etc. From Kala Patthar we then descend to Gorak Shep and spend the night there.After a good nights rest and a good breakfast we trek along the rocky moraines of the Khumbu glacier to visit the final destination of our trek and the amazing location that is Everest Base Camp. Though of interest, this trip is not as spectacular as the ascent of Kala Patthar as there are no views of Everest, but there is a possibility of meeting/visiting famous climbers and their camps and the location and views of the impressive Khumbu icefall and surrounding peaks are truly outstanding.Return to Lobuche. Over night at a lodge.Day 15: – Lobuche -Tengboche (3757m):From Lobuche, we walk down to Dughla with superb views of the Taboche peak ahead. From Dughla it is possible, instead of merely retracing our steps, to take a high level route with fine views of Thamserku and Kangtega ahead, passing Pheriche andPangboche to reach Tengboche once again where we spend the night.Day 16: Tengboche – Namche BazaarWe make an early start from Tengboche to trek to Namche Bazar, taking a short detour to visit the large and unspoilt villages of Khumjung and Khunde, stopping briefly to visit the Edmund Hilary clinic and to see the infamous ‘Yeti’ skull and scalp that bring tourists flocking to this remote outpost. We then trek a further few kilometers and descend once again into the lively streets of Namche Bazaar for a well deserved shower and a well earned beer. Over night at a lodge.Day 17: – Namche - Lukla:We follow the Dudh Koshi River downstream until after Ghat, when we start to come up the side of the valley to reach Lukla. Overnight at Himalaya Lodge.Day 18: Fly back to Katmandu, transfer to Hotel.Day 19/20: Free Days in Kathmandu. (City tour of Monkey Temple and Durbur Square)Day 21: transfer to airport for onward flight back to UK.

The Local Area

Kathmandu:

For many people, stepping off a plane into Kathmandu is an exhilarating shock - the sights, sounds and smells can quickly lead to sensory overload. Whether it be buzzing around the crazy polluted traffic in a taxi, trundling down the narrow winding streets of the old town in a rickshaw, marvelling at Durbar Sq or dodging the tiger balm sellers and trekking touts in Thamel, Kathmandu can be an intoxicating, amazing and exhausting place.

As the largest (and pretty much the only) city in the country, Kathmandu also feels like another developing-world city rushing into a modern era of concrete and traffic pollution. Take a walk in the backstreets, however, and the capital\'s amazing cultural and artistic heritage reveals itself in hidden temples overflowing with marigolds, courtyards full of drying chillis and rice, and tiny hobbit-sized workshops largely unchanged since the Middle Ages.